Device for fixing sheets to surface

ABSTRACT

A device for fixing a covering sheet to a surface, especially for hangings, tapestries and the like, which comprises a bar or rod adapted to be secured along one edge of the surface and a strip pivoted to said bar and adapted to act as a support for the corresponding edge of the covering sheet. The bar and strip comprise elementary assembling means permitting the positive retention of the strip in its folded-back position against said bar, or directly against said surface, with fastening means for securing the edge of the covering sheet to the strip before the strip is moved into its sheet-stretching position against, or in coplanar relationship with the bar.

,l n Elite @tates Patet 1 1 [I 11 398489380 Assael [4 Nov. 19, I974 [54]DEVICE FOR FIXING SHEETS T0 3,166,117 1/1965 Abadjieff 160 392 SURFACE3,719,013 3/1973 Blick 52/222 3,757,479 9/1973 Martinez l60/392 [76]Inventor: Marcel Assael, 12 Place Maurlc 3,783,931 1 1974 Assael 52 273S23E3 N Brest (Fmmereh FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [22] F] d F b 141973 2,008,942 12/1970 Germany .[52/222 [21] App]. No.: 332,271 PrimaryExaminerErnest R. Purser Assistant ExaminerJames L. Ridgill, Jr. agApphcatmn Data Attorney, Agent, or FirmErnest G. Montague; Karl [63]Contmuanon-m-part of Ser. No. 183,507, Sept. 24, F ROSS; Herbert Dubno1971, abandoned.

[] Foreign Application Priority Data [57] ABSTRACT 0m. 1 1970 France70.35461 A device for fixing a Covering Sheet to a surface P Jan. 151971 France 71.01278 Clan) for hangings tapestries and the like, whichJune 14 1971 France 71.21423 prises a bar or rod adapted to be securedalong one Feb. 15 1972 France 72.04991 edge of the Surface and a Shippivoted to Said bar and adapted to act as a support for thecorresponding edge 52 us. 01 52/222 52/273 52/291 of the covering SheetThe bar and Strip comprise l/395 mentary assembling means permitting thepositive re [5 In. C E04) U347 04 3 32 4 7 23 00 tention Of the strip inits folded-back position against [58] Field of Search 52/222 291 saidbar, or directly against said surface, with fastening 160591493 3 1means for securing the edge of the covering sheet to the strip beforethe strip is moved into its sheet- [56] References Cited stretchingposition against, or in coplanar relationship UNITED STATES PATENTS the2,526,912 10/1950 Swanson /392 10 Claims, 20 Drawmg Flgures PATENTEB RSV1 91974 SHEET 10F 5 PATENTE; HOV 1 91974 SHEET 30F 5 3.848.880 SHEETLLUF 5 PATENTL; UV 1 9 I874 DEVICE FOR FIXING SHEETS TO SURFACE CROSSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present application is acontinuation-in-part of Ser. No. 183,507 filed Sept. 24, 1971, nowabandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to means forsecuring covering sheets such as fabric hangings or tapestry to anysurface such as a wall, partition or ceiling.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART As a rule fabric sheets are fixed byinserting nails or staples through the edges of the covering sheet,these nails or staples being driven through the material of the wall orceiling surface to be covered. However, it is a primary requirement thatthe sheet be properly tensioned. To this end, the upholsterer mustfirstly fix one of the edges of the sheet in place, and then anchor theopposite edge while exerting a tractive force on the covering sheet.This last step is rather difficult to perform. This is the reason whytapestry coverings can only be applied by skilled professionnals or atleast by persons endowed with considerable manual skill. In many casesthe tension of the fabric or other covering material is not satisfactoryand folds or pleats, or other unaesthetic defects, appear.

This method of securing the fabric is particularly time-consuminginasmuch as the heads of the nails or staples, or the nails or staplesthemselves, must be concealed by resorting to some co'ntrivance oradding a complementary covering element such as a strip, molding ordecorative tape.

It has already been proposed to secure such hangings and tapestries byusing a device consisting of the combination of a fixed rod, adapted tobe secured to the surface to be covered, with a rigid strip pivotallymounted on the rod and adapted to support the covering sheet. Underthese conditions, the sheet can be tensioned by simply folding back themovable strip against the corresponding wall.

However, the devices proposed heretofore are mostly very rudimentary andunsatisfactory. Thus, to retain or lock the movable strip in its endposition and properly tensioning the sheet, adequate means must beprovided, such as an insert strip secured to the surface to be covered.The provision of the insert strip constitutes an additional operationwhile attaching the covering sheet to the movable strip also requiresthe use of special complementary fastening members.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of this invention toprovide an improved device of the same character as the one mentionedhereinabove but designed to permit the easy fixing of a covering sheetagainst any surface while properly tensioning said sheet. To this end,the fixing device according to this invention comprises a fixed bar anda movable strip, said bar and strip comprising complementaryinterfitting means adapted to lock the strip in its folded-back positioneither against said bar, or directly against the surface to be covered,the movable strip further comprising fastening means for securing thecovering sheet thereto before the strip is moved to its folded-backposition.

According to another feature of this invention the fixed bar and/or themovable strip comprise abutmentforming members adapted to stop saidstrip in its angu lar position away from said fixed bar.

Thus, the movable strip can be held in a waiting position facilitatingthe fastening of the corresponding edge of the sheet thereto. Uponcompletion of this fastening operation it is only necessary to fold thestrip back against the fixed rod for securing the corresponding edge ofthe covering sheet and tensioning the sheet whose opposite edge may besecured in a similar fashion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING:

Other features and advantages of this invention will appear from thefollowing description, reference being made to the attached drawing, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a vertical section illustrating two fastening devicesaccording to this invention, disposed along the horizontal edges of thesame surface for securing a hanging thereto;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical section illustrating the deviceprovided at the top of the hanging, in its end position, i.e. uponcompletion of the tensioning opera tion at the corresponding edge of thehanging;

FIGS. 3 and 4am perspective views showing two complementary elements ofthe device for fastening the corners of a hanging, these elements beingshown in their inoperative and operative positions, respectively;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views similar to FIG. 2 but showing two otherembodiments of the device of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a vertical section of the device shown in FIG. 6, with themovable strip thereof shown in its waiting position away from the fixedsupporting bar;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic plan view from above showing the tensioning ofa hanging during the fixing thereof, by using a modification of thedevice of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showinganother modified form of embodimentof the device of this invention;

FIG. 10 is a end view of the device of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic elevational view showing on a smaller scalethe three main component elements of the latter device;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing one of these elements, namely theflexible strip inserted on the free edge of the pivoting element;

FIGS. 13 to 15 inclusive are end elevational views showing the differentsuccessive steps of the subsequent removal of a hanging from a wall;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a specific form of embodiment ofthe sheet or hanging fastening device of this invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic elevational end view showing the method offastening a hanging to these elements;

FIG. 18 is a vertical sectional view of another form of embodiment ofthe present device, illustrating the various component elements thereofbefore the pivoting strip is folded to its final position;

FIG. 19 is a similar view showing the same device with the pivotingstrip folded back to its final position, and

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a modified form ofembodiment of a detail.

Specific Description The device illustrated-in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises amain bar 1 on which a strip 2 is pivotally mounted along onelongitudinal edge. This bar 1 is adapted to be secured, for example bymeans of nails 3, to the wall P, or any other surface to be lined with ahanging or other covering sheet. More particularly, the fixing of thissheet or hanging requires four fixing devices according to thisinvention, to be disposed along the two horizontal edges and the twovertical edges of the hanging.

FIG. 1 illustrates two opposite devices according to this invention,disposed along the two horizontal, upper and lower, edges of the samehanging.

The movable strip 2 has one edge pivotally connected by means of a hinge4 to the fixed bar 1. Thus, the movable strip 2 can be tilted outwardlyto a waiting position in order to position its free edge 5 away from thefixed bar 1 (see FIG. 1). However, in the operative position this strip2 is folded back against the bar 1, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

In the vicinity of its free edge 5 the movable strip 2 is provided withfastening means adapted to secure the corresponding edge of the coveringsheet to said strip before moving the latter to its sheet-stretchingposition against, or in coplanar relationship to, fixed bar 1. In thedevice illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, said fastening means consist of arow of small needles 8 provided on the movable strip 2 in the vicinityof its free edge 5. These needles extend towards the bar 1 and aredisposed at spaced intervals throughout the length of strip 2. Alongthis row of needles the thickness of strip 2 is reduced in order toleave a certain gap between the strip 2 and bar 1 when the former isfolded back against the latter (see FIG. 2).

Assembling means are provided for locking the strip 2 in its operativeposition against the fixed bar 1. These means may consist of a shapedrib 10 carried by the inner face 7 of strip 2 and adapted to fit snugglyin a matching groove 11 formed in the outer face of fixed bar 1. Thisrib 10 is provided with a retaining bead and the groove 11 is shapedaccordingly, as shown.

The device further comprises an ornamental or finishing molding or strip14 adapted to cover the free end 5 of strip 2. This molding 14 ispivoted to bar 1 by means of a hinge 15 and formed with an integralretaining edge 17 adapted to engage a corresponding groove '18 formed inthe outer face of strip 2.

Along its edge opposite said finishing molding 14 the bar 1 carries arow of needles 19 adapted to permit the fixing of a lining sheet 20behind the hanging 21 to be tensioned between the devices of thisinvention.

As already mentioned in the foregoing, the hanging 21 is laid against asurface by fixing beforehand a device according to this invention alongeach edge of said surface. However, the two devices provided along twoopposite edges must be directed in opposition so that the free edges 5of their movable strips 2 lie outwards in relation to said surface whenthe strips are folded back in their operative positions.

To fix a hanging 21 the first step consists in attaching its upper edgeto the needles 8 carried by the movable strip 2 of the upper fixingdevice, the corresponding marginal portion of the hanging being causedto cover the free edge 5 of strip 2.

Fixing the covering sheet on its effected most easily, as it is donewhile strip 2 is in its waiting position. away from fixed bar 1. Accessto nails 8 or other fastening means provided for this purpose istherefore easy. The fastening operation is then completed by simplypressing the edge of sheet 21 on to the fastening means. Meanwhile,strip 2 is maintained still in the corresponding position because of theabutment means provided for this purpose. The existence of such abutmentmeans is therefore essential to make the operation easy.

Then a similar fixing operation is carried out with the lower edge ofthe hanging 21 engaging the needles and the free edge of the lowermovable strip 2 of the lower fixing device.

After this preliminary operation, the strip 2 of the upper device isfolded back against the bar 1 to the operative position shown in FIG. 2,in which said strip is substantially parallel to the surface P to becovered. The retaining ribs 10 and 12 provided on said strip engage thecorresponding grooves of the bar, whereafter the finishing molding 14 isfolded down to provide an additional locking means for retaining themovable strip 2 in its end position (see FIG. 2).

Then the same sequence of steps are accomplished with the lower fixingdevice. However, in the specific example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,this lastmentioned operation may be performed in two steps only due tothe provision of an additional locking rib 12 carried by the movablestrip 2 and adapted to engage the groove 13 of fixed bar 1. In fact, thearrangement is such that this rib 12 will engage the registering groove13 before the movable strip 2 is folded back completely against thebar 1. Then, the strip 2 is held in this position by its rib l0 and alsoby its finishing moulding 14.

Under these conditions the hanging 21, consisting for example of aplurality of widths of fabric or similar material, sewn edge to edge, isperfectly taut along the surface to be covered.

Of course, a similar sheet-tensioning operation is performed by means ofthe fixing devices disposed along the vertical edges of the samehanging.

As will be seen, the device this invention permits of the covering awall or other surface very easily and rapidly. Due to the great facilityof use of this device, it can be installed by any person desirous tocover the walls of a room in a private house with hangings or othersheet material.

Moreover, this device affords a high degree of sound and heatinsulation. In fact, due to the particular arrangement contemplated, thehanging 21 is disposed at a certain spacing from the lining 20 alsosomewhat spaced from the wall proper P. Under these conditions, two airgaps are formed behind the lining 20 and in the space between thislining and the hanging 21, respectively.

Besides, this device permits of using any desired sheet material for thehanging or tapestry, since it is separate from the lining proper.

This device is also advantageous in that it is completed by meansdesigned for fixing in position the various corners of a hanging ortapestry. Two such means are illustrated diagrammatically in FIGS. 3 and4 and consist each of a plate 22 formed with a thicker portion 23 towhich a triangular element 24 is hingedly mounted. The correspondinghinge 25 extends along a diagonal or oblique line of plate 22.

In the inoperative position the hingedly mounted triangular element 24is turned down as illustrated in FIG. 3. Now the inner face of thiselement carries two rows of needles 26 extending along the two freeedges thereof.

As in the case of the needles 8 carried by the movable strip 2 of thefixing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, these needles 26 are adapted toreceive the corresponding edges of the hanging or tapestry. Thus, it ispossible to fix one corner of hanging 21 to the triangular element 24hinged to the corresponding fixing member 22. In fact, these fixingmembers 22 are adapted to be fixed in position beforehand at each comerof the surface P to be covered with the hanging, by using nails or othersuitable members.

The corresponding corner of each hanging 21 is then tensioned by simplyfolding the hinged plate element 24 against the plate 22 of thecorresponding device, i.e. to the position shown in FIG. 4. Then theplate element 24 is locked or safely retained in the operative positionshown in this Figure by suitable means (not shown) which may be similarto those contemplated for holding the movable strip 2 pivoted to thefixed bar 1.

The component elements of the fixing device of this invention may bemanufactured from any suitable material. They can be made in the form ofseparate elements interconnected by suitable hinge means. However, it isalso possible to mold or extrude them from suitable plastic material,the elements being in this case interconnected by thin, flexible lugs orstrips acting as the hinge means.

These bars and strips may be produced on a commercial scale in the formof more or less long sections. However, two or more elements may bedisposed in mutual alignment for covering one of the edges of a wallthroughout its length. Moreover, these elements may easily be cut to thedesired and exact length contemplated.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of this invention, wherein the movablestrip 20 of the fixing device is not attached permanently to the fixedrod la. In fact, this strip 20 is pivoted to the bar 1a via a heel 27carried by the strip and engaging a groove 28 of bar la.

This bar carries on the other hand a projecting ledge 29 (abutmentmeans) engageable by the movable strip 2a and adapted to retain thisstrip in its waiting or outermost position in which the hanging 210 caneasily be secured thereto. As in the preceding examples, the hanging 21ais attached to the strip 2a by a row of me dles 8 carried by the innerface of the free edge of movable strip 2a.

This strip is also provided, as shown in FIG. 5, with a dependingandprojecting lip 30 adapted to be retained by a ledge 30a formed on aprojecting rib carried by the bar la, when the strip is folded back toits tensioning position as shown in the figure. To interlock the twoelements In and 2a it is only necessary to lift slightly the strip 2aand then allow it to drop so that the lip 30 eventually lies in thegroove formed behind the ledge 30a.

In the various embodiments described hereinabove the movable strip ismounted to lie against the front face of the fixed bar in the fold-backposition of the stri I-lbwever, in the modified embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawing the arrangement differs in that themovable strip is substantially coplanar with the fixed bar in theoperative position of the device.

As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the corresponding movable strip 2bis pivoted to the fixed bar lb without providing any spindle or hingeshaft therebetween. In fact, these two elements are hingedlyinterconnected by means of cooperating hook-sectioned projections 32, 33carried by the strip 2b and disposed on either side of a projecting rib31 carried by the bar lb.

The strip 2b is locked in its operative or fold-back position by theengagement of an in-turned lip 34 of hooksectioned projection 33 into agroove 35 formed to this end in the fixed rib 3l. Abutment means forholding the strip 2b in its waiting position (FIG. 7) are also provided.

These abutment means are particularly simple and efficient and consistof a shoulder-like cavity 36 formed in strip 2b and adapted to engagethe upper edge 37 of the fixed bar 1b in the waiting or inoperativeposition of the strip. This movable strip 2b comprises on its rear facea cavity 38 adapted to receive any excess sheet material likely to liebehind the strip 2b after the corresponding edge of the hanging 21 hasbeen secured to the needles 8. Moreover, to prevent the exertion of anexcessive pull on these needles, which might tear or otherwise damagethe hanging material, retaining stria or splines 39 are formed on therelevant end of the movable strip 2b.

As in the earlier described embodiments the pivoting strip 2b mayconsist of a continuous member. However, as illustrated diagrammaticallyin FIG. 8, this strip may also'consist of a plurality of separateelements 2c identical with, but shorter than, element 2b, these variouselements 20 being secured in mutual alignment on a common fixed bar ldbut with a certain relative spacing, as shown at E. Of course, thecorresponding edge of the hanging 21d is fastened to the varioussuccessive elements 20 constituting the pivoting strip of the presentdevice.

The use of these multi-section strips facilitates greatly the tensioningoperation. In fact, it is possible to fold back in succession thevarious elements 2c. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8, the first element may befolded back to its vertical position against the wall P, as in the caseof the left-hand element, while the next element 20 is still in itshorizontal, inoperative position. Thus, the final tensioning operationis facilitated. In fact, if the pivoting strip consists of a single orcontinu ous element of relatively great length, this operation requiresthe intervention of two or more persons, for it must be performed in oneand single movement. On the other hand, if the strip consists of aplurality of elements, a single operator can easily fix the hanging inseveral steps, by actuating in succession the various elements.

FIGS. 9 to 15 illustrate another embodiment of the device of thisinvention which is designed to this end. In this arrangement thepivoting strip also comprises three separate elements 2e between whichfree gaps are left. These elements 2e are pivoted to a common fixed bar1e by means of a curved lip 40 formed on each element and rotatablyengaging a matching'curved lip 41 formed on a projection of thecorresponding fixed bar 12.

However, the several hinge elements 2e are interconnected by a flexiblestrip 42 consisting for example of an extruded section of deformableplastic material, which is secured to the elements 2e by hooking, withthe assistance of a retaining rib 43.

On the face constituting the rear face in its end position theconnecting strip 42 comprises a groove 44 engageable by a tape 45carrying a series of needles 46 substituted for the preceding needles 8.

The various elements 2e of the movable strip can be lifted insuccession. In fact, the flexible connecting strip 42 is adapted to bedistorted between two adjacent elements 2e having different angularpositions. However, this strip 42 constitutes a continuous support forthe corresponding edge of the hanging 21e and this constitutes anadvantage in comparison with the form of embodiment illustrated in FIG.8.

Moreover, the flexible connecting strip 42 is also adapted to be bent inorder to provide a continuous joint at a corner between two fixed barsalso forming an angle with each other either in a single plane or in twodifferent planes.

If desired, the fixed bar of the device of this invention could likewisebe divided into a plurality of separate and spaced sections, like themovable strip. This embodiment would permit of forming an elbow withthis device.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 to of the drawings the fixedbar 1e carries a strip 47 adapted to constitute a bearing member orabutment for a heel 48 formed on each element 22 of the pivoting stripwhen this element is in its operative or erected position. This strip 47is formed integrally with a lip 49 projecting from the body of bar 1e.However, this strip 47 is relatively thin and therefore flexible, thematerial of bar 1e being selected accordingly.

When all the elements 2e have been brought to their operative or erectedposition, they are locked in this position by the engagement of theirheels 48 against the strip 47 carried by the fixed bar 12.

These locking means facilitate greatly the subsequently removal ofhanging 21e. In fact, it is only necessary to exert a pressure in thedirection F on the strip 47 for causing same to retract, due to theresulting distorsion of its supporting lip 49, as illustrated in FIG.13. This pressure may be exerted on the strip 47 by applying onesfingers against the hanging 2le at the proper location. When the strip47 has thus been collapsed the heel 48 of the registering element 22 isno longer retained and this element will tend to tilt forwards in thedirection of the arrow F, as illustrated in FIG. 14.

However, the elements 2e constituting the pivoting strip are retained inthe inoperative position shown in FIG. 15 due to the provision of asmall lip 52 acting as an abutment to heel 48, and also to the presenceof the curved ledge 40 stressed against its companion lip 41.

Preferably, the edge of fixed bar 1e which lies on the side opposite tothe location contemplated for receiving the pivoting strip 2e is formedwith a rib 43c adapted to receive and retain a strip 42:; similar tostrip 42 but opposed thereto to permit the fixing of a lining sheet e.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the fixing element provided with theneedles 45 may advantageously be replaced by an element 45a carrying arow of needles 46a and 46b of unequal lengths. The purpose of theseunequal lengths is to facilitate the engagement of the hanging thereon,as the fabric will engage firstly the longer needles. If desired, theselonger needles may be provided with thicker retaining portions 53.

However, it will be readily understood by those conversant with the artthat many other fastening members may be used in lieu of these needles.

FIGS. 18 to 20 illustrate another embodiment of the device according theinvention, in which the movable strip is provided with other fasteningmeans. This device comprises a bar lfsecured to the wall M to be coveredand a strip 2f adapted to pivot on said bar. This strip 2f, which mayconsist of a plurality of component elements spaced from one another,all mounted on a common bar If, carries a flexible strip 42fconstitutingthe support proper for the upper edge of the hanging 21f to be fixedunder tension in front of the wall M.

The flexible strip 42f has formed in its free end a groove 55 having itsopening directed backwards when the molding is in its final raisedposition (see FIG. 2). The groove 55 thus contemplated is adapted to actas a recess for securing the corresponding edge 56 of the hanging 21 f.More particularly, this edge is wound over a reinforcing and thickeningelement adapted to be inserted into said groove, this element consistingfor example of a flat strip 57.

In the final position in which the flexible strip 42f is folded backagainst the wall M, the median plane XX of the groove 55 forms an anglea with the vertical plane YY' containing the line 0 constituting thepivot axis of the strip 2f supporting the flexible strip 42f.

However, the inclinations of groove 55 may differ, the angle a beingadapted to vary from 0 to 180. In this last instance, the groove 55extends vertically when the flexible strip 42f is folded back to its endposition and then the opening of this groove is turned upwards. But thisis the limit permissible position of this groove 55.

In fact, preferably the opening of said groove should be directedbackwards when the flexible strip 42f is folded back against the wall M,so that the tractive effort F exerted on the edge 56 of the hangings,due to the tensioning thereof, will cause this edge 56 to be wedged withits strip 57 in the groove 55. Under these conditions, the edge of thehangings is properly secured to the flexible strip 42f and cannot bereleased therefrom in spite of the tension exerted on the hanging. Now,this fastening action is obtained without resorting to any hookingpoints, thus eliminating any risk of dam aging or tearing the edge ofthe hangings, However, ribs or notches 58 are advantageously provided onthe outer surface of the free end of the flexible strip 42fin order toincrease the adherence of the hangings thereto.

The edge 56 of the hangings in the groove 55 can be positioned veryeasily when the flexible strip 42f is in its position away from the wallM (see FIG. 1). It is then only necessary to engage this edge into thisgroove after having folded same about the strip 57. Now the folding offlexible strip 42f back against the wall M will properly tension thehangings which cannot be subsequently released, considering the foldingof its edge 56 and the fitting of this edge into the groove 55.

As will be seen in the drawings, the elements 2fconstituting thepivoting strip are pivoted to a section member 59 carried by the fixedbar If. This pivotal mounting is obtained by virtue of a pair ofcomplementary curved edges 60 and 61 provided on this section and on thecorresponding edge of the elements 2fconstituting the pivoting strip,respectively. More particularly, the marginal portions 61 of theseelements are adapted to rotate about the curved ledge 60 of the fixedsection 59.

This section 59 carries a stop 62 adapted to co-act with a pair ofprojecting heels 63 and 64 formed on the elements 2f of said movablestrip. The first heel engages the stop 62 when the strip 2f is in itsposition away from bar It f, so as to retain said strip in this position(see FIG. 18).

As to the other heel 64, it engages the stop 62 when the strip 2f isfolded back, so as to hold this strip likewise in this second position(see FIG. 19). But in this last case the locking of the elements 2f ofthe pivoting strip is completed by a hook 65 carried by these elementsand adapted to engage a retaining hook 66 carried by the fixed section59. Moreover, in the open position illustrated in FIG. 1 the locking ofthe component elements 2f of the pivoting strip is also completed byanother stop 67 engageable by the heel 64 formed on these elements.

Preferably, the fixed bar If comprises a groove 68 adapted to constitutea means for securing the edge 69 of a lining 20f disposed behind thehangings 21f. The edge of this lining 20f is then wound over a thicknessstrip 57f in the same manner as the edge of the hangings proper.

FIG. 20 illustrates a modified form of embodiment of the mouldingadapted to act as a support to the corresponding edge of the hangings tobe secured in position. The corresponding flexible strip 42g departsfrom the preceding one in that, in addition to the groove 55 providedtherein, it comprises a second similar groove 55g having a differentinclination. Moreover, this groove has also a different width.

Thus, according to the specific arrangement contemplated, one may useone or the other of these two grooves for fastening in position thecorresponding edge of the hangings 21 f by providing or not areinforcing and thickening element such as said strip 57.

But, of course, the fixing device according to this invention is liableto be embodied with many other modifications and variations, withoutdeparting from the basic principles of the invention as set forth in theappended claims.

Further, the device of this invention is adapted to be used in manydifferent applications. As already mentioned in the foregoing, thisdevice may be used for fixing in position a textile or fabric sheet, orany other lining material, against a wall. But it is clear that it couldbe used as well for securing a similar lining tapestry or upholsterymaterial to any other surfaces, such as ceilings or floors.

What I claim is:

l. A wall mounting device comprising a covering sheet adapted to overliea surface, a bar adapted to be secured to a surface, a movable stripformed of at least one piece and complementarily hinged to said bar atan edge of said strip, said strip having an opposite edge constitutingan edge means for supporting a corresponding edge of a covering sheet,complementary assembling means for securing said strip in a folded-backcompact position parallel said bar adjacent said surface, in saidsurface, in said folded-back compact position being in a directionopposed to that in which said covering sheet extends, said coveringsheet being tensioned in said position, complementary abutment meansprovided on said bar and on said strip for holding said strip in anangular open position relative to said bar for fixing a covering sheetthereon, and said edge means of said strip including fastening means forsecuring said corresponding edge of said covering sheet against saidedge means, prior to moving said strip into said folded back compactposition.

2. The device as set forth in claim I wherein said strip is pivotallymounted to a front face of said bar such that said strip is urgedagainst said bar in said folded back position of said strip, saidcomplementary assembling means for maintaining said strip on said bar insaid folded back position comprising hooking means disposed onsaid barand for hooking said edge of said strip opposite to said hinged edge onsaid bar.

3. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said strip is pivotallymounted to a front face of said bar such that said strip is urgedagainst said bar in said folded back position of said strip, saidcomplementary assembling means for holding said strip on said bar insaid folded back position comprising complementary hooking meansdisposed respectively on the face of said strip to be folded backagainst said bar, and on apart of said bar against which said strip isfolded back.

4. The device as set forth in claim I wherein said strip is pivotallymounted to said bar such that said strip is substantially coplanar withsaid bar in said folded back position.

5. The fixing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the hinging meansbetween said bar and said pivoting strip comprising curved edgesintegral with at least one of both said bar and strip, and fitting intoeach other and rotatable about each other.

6. The device as set forth in claim I wherein said abutment membersdisposed on said bar and on said strip comprise a stop carried by saidone hinged edge of said strip, and a deformable abutment ledge againstwhich said stop bears when said strip is in said folded back position,and another ledge provided on said bar to constitute an abutmentcooperating with said dcformable abutment ledge when said strip is insaid angularly open position relative to said bar.

7. The device as set forth in claim I wherein said strip comprises aplurality of successive elements, independent of and spaced from eachother, and carrying a flexible strip provided with means for attachingsaid covering sheet thereto.

8. The fixing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fasteningmeans provided on said movable strip for securing the edge of thecovering sheet consist of a longitudinal groove having its openingdirected upwards or backwards when said strip is in its final position,i.e. folded back against the surface to be covered.

9. The fixing device, as set forth in claim I, wherein said stripcomprises a plurality of successive elements, independent of and spacedfrom each other, and carrying a flexible strip provided with means forattaching said covering sheet thereto, and saidfastening means providedon said movable strip for securing the edge of the covering sheetconsist of longitudinal groove formed in said flexible strap and havingits opening directed upwards or backwards when said strip is in itsfinal position, i.e. folded back against the surface to be covered.

10. The fixing device, as set forth in claim 9, wherein said flexiblestrip has formed therein at least two separate longitudinal grooves andhaving different widths and inclinations, for fixing a main coveringsheet and a lining sheet extending behind said main covering sheet.

1. A wall mounting device comprising a covering sheet adapted to overliea surface, a bar adapted to be secured to a surface, a movable stripformed of at least one piece and complementarily hinged to said bar atan edge of said strip, said strip having an opposite edge constitutingan edge means for supporting a corresponding edge of a covering sheet,complementary assembling means for securing said strip in a folded-backcompact position parallel said bar adjacent said surface, in saidsurface, in said folded-back compact position being in a directionopposed to that in which said covering sheet extends, Said coveringsheet being tensioned in said position, complementary abutment meansprovided on said bar and on said strip for holding said strip in anangular open position relative to said bar for fixing a covering sheetthereon, and said edge means of said strip including fastening means forsecuring said corresponding edge of said covering sheet against saidedge means, prior to moving said strip into said folded back compactposition.
 2. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said strip ispivotally mounted to a front face of said bar such that said strip isurged against said bar in said folded back position of said strip, saidcomplementary assembling means for maintaining said strip on said bar insaid folded back position comprising hooking means disposed on said barand for hooking said edge of said strip opposite to said hinged edge onsaid bar.
 3. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said strip ispivotally mounted to a front face of said bar such that said strip isurged against said bar in said folded back position of said strip, saidcomplementary assembling means for holding said strip on said bar insaid folded back position comprising complementary hooking meansdisposed respectively on the face of said strip to be folded backagainst said bar, and on a part of said bar against which said strip isfolded back.
 4. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said strip ispivotally mounted to said bar such that said strip is substantiallycoplanar with said bar in said folded back position.
 5. The fixingdevice as set forth in claim 1 wherein the hinging means between saidbar and said pivoting strip comprising curved edges integral with atleast one of both said bar and strip, and fitting into each other androtatable about each other.
 6. The device as set forth in claim 1wherein said abutment members disposed on said bar and on said stripcomprise a stop carried by said one hinged edge of said strip, and adeformable abutment ledge against which said stop bears when said stripis in said folded back position, and another ledge provided on said barto constitute an abutment cooperating with said deformable abutmentledge when said strip is in said angularly open position relative tosaid bar.
 7. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said stripcomprises a plurality of successive elements, independent of and spacedfrom each other, and carrying a flexible strip provided with means forattaching said covering sheet thereto.
 8. The fixing device as set forthin claim 1 wherein said fastening means provided on said movable stripfor securing the edge of the covering sheet consist of a longitudinalgroove having its opening directed upwards or backwards when said stripis in its final position, i.e. folded back against the surface to becovered.
 9. The fixing device, as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidstrip comprises a plurality of successive elements, independent of andspaced from each other, and carrying a flexible strip provided withmeans for attaching said covering sheet thereto, and said fasteningmeans provided on said movable strip for securing the edge of thecovering sheet consist of longitudinal groove formed in said flexiblestrap and having its opening directed upwards or backwards when saidstrip is in its final position, i.e. folded back against the surface tobe covered.
 10. The fixing device, as set forth in claim 9, wherein saidflexible strip has formed therein at least two separate longitudinalgrooves and having different widths and inclinations, for fixing a maincovering sheet and a lining sheet extending behind said main coveringsheet.